How To Craft a Unique Tone of Voice for Your Brand - Episode 29

 Hello Thumbodies,

Today, we're going to delve into the subject of how to establish and refine the unique tone of voice for your brand. A well-crafted tone of voice can build stronger relationships with your audience, differentiate you from competitors, and reinforce your brand's personality. It's a critical aspect of your brand identity that impacts how your audience perceives your message.

Unfortunately, this critical aspect of branding often goes overlooked.

Lack of understanding is the primary culprit.

Many entrepreneurs and businesses struggle to grasp what 'tone of voice' means in the context of branding and how it can mold their brand's image. Here are some other common stumbling blocks:

Reason #1: They struggle to comprehend the dimensions of tone: Funny vs. Serious, Formal vs. Casual, Respectful vs. Irreverent, and Enthusiastic vs. Matter-of-Fact.

Reason #2: There's a common misunderstanding between a brand's voice and its tone. While the voice represents the brand's character and should remain consistent, the tone may vary depending on the context.

Reason #3: Many lack a systematic approach to evaluate and adjust their tone of voice as their brand grows and evolves.

Reason #4: Failing to recognize the value of investing time and resources in defining their brand's tone of voice.

Fear not! We're here to guide you on how to bypass these challenges and curate a unique tone of voice for your brand.

Step 1: Comprehend the dimensions of tone.

Recognizing the four dimensions of tone is the first significant step. Take, for example, brands like Old Spice and Rolex. They are at opposing ends of the 'funny vs. serious' spectrum, showing how versatile these dimensions can be.

Step 2: Pinpoint your brand's position on each dimension.

A common pitfall here is letting the tone develop organically without consciously deciding where the brand should stand on each dimension. By drawing out four scales representing each dimension and marking your brand's position, you can maintain control over your brand's narrative.

Step 3: Apply your identified tone consistently across all brand communication.

This is where your hard work begins to pay off! Consistently applying your chosen tone throughout all communications - from website copy to social media posts - will reinforce your brand identity, setting you apart in a crowded market.

As we explain these steps, it's only fair we discuss the tone of The Thumbody Show. Our podcast strives to celebrate individuality and uniqueness—our tone aims to reflect that. We are typically more casual than formal, leaning towards the conversational side. Our tone can vary from enthusiastic when discussing inspiring topics, to matter-of-fact when we dive into educational content. Respect is a core value for us, so we tend towards a respectful tone. Humor? We love a good laugh, so we definitely add a dash of fun whenever we can.

The Thumbody Show's tone is carefully chosen to create an inviting, empowering space for our listeners. We want to inspire you to celebrate your uniqueness, much like a thumbprint - distinctive and original.

By following these steps, you too can carve out a tone of voice that is as unique and memorable as your brand, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Until our next newsletter, keep making your mark, Thumbody nation!

Best,

Jimi